System and method for providing an integrated album of stored images in a digital camera

ABSTRACT

A camera incorporates a working memory ( 124 ) for storing a working image corresponding to the last captured image. The working image is displayed on a display screen ( 36 ) in a quick review mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered by the camera operator via a camera control interface ( 74 ) to control processing circuitry ( 68,72 ) of the camera. The processing circuitry controls the display screen to keep it in an inactive state until the quick review signal is entered, and returns it to an inactive state after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signal is discontinued to conserve energy. In addition, the working image is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether a non-volatile memory is available in the camera or, in the case of a hybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in a film chamber ( 98 ) of the camera.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates in general to cameras that generate digitalimages for storage on a removable storage medium. More specifically, theinvention relates to a camera that includes a working memory that storesa working image which is updated for each subsequent exposure operation,wherein the working image can be displayed in a quick review mode on adisplay screen regardless of whether the removable storage medium isattached to the camera. The invention is particularly directed to ahybrid camera that includes both a digital imaging system and asilver-halide imaging system, wherein a working image can be displayedin the quick review mode regardless of whether the removable storagemedium is attached to the camera or a film cartridge is loaded in thecamera.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There have been a number of conventional electronic still camerasand hybrid cameras either proposed and/or commercially developed. Ineach of the conventional cameras, electronic images are generallycaptured and stored on a recording medium that can be removed from thecamera or transmitted by a data link to a remote location. Earlyelectronic and hybrid cameras, for example, utilized magnetic recordingdisks as an image storage medium, while more recent developments inelectronics have led to the use of semiconductor device memory cards. Itis desirable to include a display screen on the camera to permit imagescaptured and stored on the memory cards to be reviewed. U.S. Pat. No.4,742,369 issued to Ishii et al., for example, describes a camera thatincludes a display device so that an operator can confirm whether thecaptured image is acceptable. Image display devices large enough todisplay a digital image of acceptable size, such as a large array liquidcrystal device, still consume a relatively large amount of power whenactive. Accordingly, the batteries of the camera can be quickly drainedif the display device is utilized during imaging operations. Further, itwould be desirable to be able to review the last captured imageregardless of whether the removable memory medium was attached to thecamera.

[0003] In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to providea camera that incorporates an apparatus for allowing the camera operatorto review a last captured image without causing a large energy drain. Itis a further object to provide a camera in which the last captured imagecan be reviewed regardless of whether a removable memory medium isattached to the camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides a camera that incorporates a workingmemory for storing a working image corresponding to the last capturedimage. The working image is displayed on a display screen in a quickreview mode of operation in response to a quick review signal entered bythe camera operator. The display screen is kept in an inactive stateuntil the quick review signal is entered, and returns to an inactivestate after a predetermined time period or when the quick review signalis discontinued thereby conserving energy. In addition, the workingimage is displayed in the quick review mode regardless of whether aremovable memory medium is attached to the camera or, in the case of ahybrid camera, whether a film cartridge is contained in the camera.

[0005] Specifically, a camera in accordance with the invention mayinclude digital imaging means for generating a digital imagerepresentative of a subject scene; fixed working memory means forreceiving and storing the digital image generated by the digital imagingmeans as a working image; a non-volatile memory for storing digitalimages; a display screen; and control processing means for controllingthe operation of the digital imaging means, the fixed working memorymeans and the display screen. In accordance with the invention, thecontrol processing means generates a digital mode image from the workingimage stored in the working memory and transfers the digital mode imageto the non-volatile memory while retaining the working image in theworking memory. The control processing means also selectively generatesa display image from a digital mode image stored in the non-volatilememory and transfers the display image to the display screen fordisplay. Finally, the control processing means selectively generates aquick review image from the working image stored in the working memoryand supplies the quick review image to the display screen for displaywithout requiring availability of the non-volatile memory.

[0006] The digital imaging means may generate a plurality of digitalimages under control of the control processing means; so that, eachsubsequent one of the plurality of digital images replaces a precedingone of the plurality of digital images as the working image stored inthe working memory, whereby the working image is representative of thelast subject scene imaged by the camera. A hybrid version of the cameramay include a photographic imaging means for imaging the subject sceneonto a photographic film plane of the camera under control of thecontrol processing means. The control processing means may include acamera operator interface that includes an image mode selector forselecting one of a film imaging mode, a hybrid imaging mode and thedigital imaging mode of operation. The photographic imaging means mayimage the subject scene onto the photographic image plane in the filmimaging mode and the hybrid imaging mode to generate a correspondingphotographic film image on a photographic film located at thephotographic imaging plane that corresponds with the digital imagegenerated by the digital imaging means. The control processing means maygenerate a film mode digital image from the working image in the filmimaging mode of operation and stores the film mode digital image in aninternal fixed base camera memory of the camera, and wherein the controlprocessing means selectively generates a display image from the filmmode digital image and transfers the display image to the display screenfor display.

[0007] The camera may include a removable interface connection means forreceiving a removable memory device; wherein the non-volatile memory iscomprised in a removable memory, such as a card coupled to the interfaceconnection means. The control processing means may generate a hybridmode digital image from the working image in the hybrid mode ofoperation and transfer the hybrid mode digital image to the removablememory interface connection means for storage on the memory card. Thecontrol processing means may selectively generate a display image from ahybrid mode digital image stored on the memory card coupled to thememory interface connection means and transfers the display image to thedisplay screen for display.

[0008] The control processing means may activate the display screen fora predetermined time period to display the quick review image. Thecamera operator interface may include a quick review switch; so that,the control processing means activates the display screen to display thequick review image as long as the quick review switch is activated.Means may be included for storing the quick review image in thenon-volatile memory or in removable memory.

[0009] Other features and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and appreciated after review of the following detaileddescription of the invention, the appended claims and the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention will be described in greater detail below withreference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0011]FIG. 1 is a front view of a camera in accordance with the presentinvention illustrated with a lens cover in a closed position;

[0012]FIG. 2 is a front view of the camera of FIG. 1 with the lens coverillustrated in an extended position;

[0013]FIG. 3 is a top view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 4 is a side view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 2 with thelens cover in the extended position;

[0015]FIG. 5 is a back view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1 with thelens cover in the closed position;

[0016]FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of the system architecture ofthe camera illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0017]FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating the functional division ofa base camera memory illustrated in the schematic block diagram of FIG.6 into a camera status storage section, an album image storage section,and a film mode image storage section;

[0018]FIG. 8 is an illustration of a user interface window displayed onthe main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for selecting ascroll option;

[0019]FIG. 9 is an illustration of a user interface window displayed onthe main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for selecting astarting image for the scrolling function illustrated in FIG. 8;

[0020]FIG. 10 is an illustration of a user interface window displayed onthe main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for selecting aspecific image number as a starting image for the scrolling functionillustrated in FIG. 8;

[0021]FIG. 11 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayedon the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for a titlefunction;

[0022]FIG. 12 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayedon the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for an imageformat function;

[0023]FIGS. 13A, B, C and D are illustrations of the a digital modeimage format, a hybrid or film mode HDTV image format, a hybrid or filmmode panoramic image format and a hybrid or film mode classic imageformat;

[0024]FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an image recordfor a digital image;

[0025]FIG. 15 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayedon the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for an albumfunction;

[0026]FIG. 16 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayedon the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for a slide showfunction;

[0027]FIG. 17 is an illustration of a current film order status windowdisplayed on the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5;

[0028]FIG. 18 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayedon the main screen display unit illustrated in FIG. 5 for enteringcartridge identification information;

[0029]FIG. 19 is schematic diagram illustrating the connection of acamera in accordance with the invention to a host computer; and

[0030]FIG. 20 is an illustration of a graphical user interface displayedon a monitor of the host computer illustrated in FIG. 19 for enteringcamera commands.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A hybrid camera in accordance with the invention is shown in FIG.1 as including a main camera body 10 on which a sliding lens cover 12 isattached. A silver-halide optical system 14 and a digital imagingoptical system 16 are located behind the sliding lens cover 12, and areboth exposed to scene light when the sliding lens cover 12 is extendedas illustrated in FIG. 2. An electronic flash unit 18 is preferablylocated on a top edge of the sliding lens cover 12, such that theextension of the lens cover 12 places the electronic flash unit 18 in aposition sufficiently distant from the silver-halide optical system 14and the digital imaging optical system 16 to prevent the occurrence of“red eye” in photographic and digital images captured by the camera. Inthe illustrated embodiment, a separate optical viewfinder 20 is providedadjacent to the lens cover 12, although it will be understood thatviewfinders incorporated within or utilizing elements of either thesilver-halide optical system 14 and/or the digital imaging opticalsystem 16 may be readily employed. The optical viewfinder 20 includes amasking device, for example a segmented LCD or mechanical mask, that isused to match the image viewed by a camera operator through theviewfinder 20 to a corresponding image format selected by the cameraoperator. In a preferred embodiment, the optical viewfinder 20 providesseveral different aspect ratios including: a full VGA aspect ratiocorresponding to an aspect ratio, such as 4:3, of the digital imagingoptical system 16; an HDTV aspect ratio corresponding to the aspectratio, such as 7:4, of the silver-halide optical system 14; a classicfilm aspect ratio, such as 10:7; and a panoramic aspect ratio, such as20:7. The HDTV, classic and panoramic aspect ratios are the same asthose used for the Advanced Photo System (APS) cameras introduced in1996.

[0032] A top view of the camera body 10 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Aliquid crystal display (LCD) status unit 22 is provided on the top ofthe main camera body 10 to display various camera status data to thecamera operator. The LCD status unit 22 is roughly partitioned intothree areas: an area for displaying information specific to film images;an area for displaying information specific to digital images; and ageneral information area that displays information related to both filmimages and digital images. In addition to the status unit 22, variousoperator controls are provided on the top of the camera body 10including an image capture mode selector switch 23, a shutter button 24,a zoom control switch 25, a picture taking mode selector switch 26, aflash mode selector switch 28, a timer mode selector switch 30, and animage format selector switch 32. As illustrated, image capture modeswitch 23 allows for settings of Digital, Hybrid or Film. However, thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that many features of the inventionwould be applicable in cameras where only Digital and Hybrid modes areprovided, or only Digital and Film, or only Hybrid and Film, or onlyHybrid. The LCD status unit 22 is preferably mounted on a hinged supportelement 34 that is coupled to the lens cover 12, such that the LCDstatus unit 22 is tilted toward the camera operator when the lens cover12 is extended during an image capture operation as shown in FIG. 4.

[0033] A color main screen display unit 36 is provided on the back ofthe main camera body 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and is preferablyrecessed from the back surface of the main camera body 10 forprotection. A main screen operator control unit 38 is provided adjacentto the main screen display unit 36 and includes an edit switch 40, anexit switch 42 and a directional switch unit 44. The directional switchunit 44 is preferably a four directional thumb pad segmented into fourdifferent individual directional switches including an up directionalswitch 46, a down directional switch 50, a right directional switch 48and a left directional switch 52. It will be understood, however, thatother types of directional switch units, for example track balls,pressure pads, etc., may be readily employed to enter directionalsignals. The main screen operator control unit 38 is utilized inconjunction with elements of graphical user interfaces displayed on themain screen display unit 36 to control various camera functions thatwill be described in greater detail below.

[0034] The main camera body 10 is also provided with a memory card door54, a battery compartment door 56 and a film chamber door 58 asillustrated in FIG. 5. The memory card door 54 is provided to protect amemory card interface connector located in the main camera body 10. Thebattery compartment door 56 and film chamber door 58 are provided in thebottom of the main camera body 10 in a conventional manner to provideaccess to an internal film chamber and a battery compartment.

[0035] The overall system architecture of the hybrid camera is providedin FIG. 6. The basic system components of the system architectureinclude the silver-halide optical system 14, the digital imaging opticalsystem 16, the electronic flash unit 18, the optical viewfinder 20, afilm transport unit 60, a range finding module 62, a light sensor 64, amain camera controller 68, an analog subsystem unit 70, a digitalsubsystem unit 72, a camera operator interface 74, and a power supplyunit 76. A detailed description of each of the basic system componentswill be provided below.

[0036] The silver-halide optical system 14 preferably includes amulti-element lens 78, an aperture/shutter mechanism 80, and azoom/focus mechanism 82. The operation of the aperture/shutter mechanism80 and zoom/focus mechanism 82 is controlled in a conventional manner bythe main camera controller 68 to adjust focusing and exposure operationsof the silver-halide optical system 14 in response to various inputsincluding signals received from the range finding module 62, the lightsensor 64, the shutter button 24, and zoom control switch 25. Thesilver-halide optical system 14 is located within the camera body 10 tofocus a subject image on a film plane 100 of the film transport 60during both a film image capture mode of operation and a hybrid imagecapture mode of operation as will be described in greater detail below.

[0037] The digital imaging optical system 16 includes a fixed focus,dual focal length, multi-element lens 84, a blur filter 86, a telephotodrive mechanism 88, and an aperture drive mechanism 90. The telephotodrive mechanism 88 moves part of the lens 84 to provide multiple focallengths in accordance with instructions received from the main cameracontroller 68. Similarly, under control of the main camera controller68, the aperture drive mechanism 90 adjusts an aperture 92 of thedigital optical system 16 to a desired setting. The digital imagingoptical system 16 is located within the camera body 10 to focus asubject image onto an electronic CCD image sensor 94 provided within theanalog subsystem unit 70.

[0038] The optical viewfinder 20 is preferably mechanically linked tothe zoom/focus mechanism 82 of the silver-halide optical system 14 via amechanical linkage 83, such that operation of the zoom/focus mechanism82 causes a corresponding change in the optical system 21 of the opticalviewfinder 20. The optical viewfinder 20, as discussed above, includes amasking device 23 that is utilized to appropriately frame the subjectimage for different imaging formats selected by the camera operator withthe image format selector switch 32. In the preferred embodiment, iconslocated within the viewfinder 20 indicate various operating modes of thecamera including digital image capture mode, film image capture mode orhybrid image capture mode. In addition, conventionallight-emitting-diode (LED) status indicators are provided within theoptical viewfinder 20 to inform the camera operator of various cameraconditions while the camera operator is looking through the viewfinder20.

[0039] The electronic flash unit 18, the range finding module 62 and thelight sensor 64 are of conventional design. A Fuji AF-Module FM6224T31(available from Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. of Japan), for example, ispreferably utilized as the range finding module 62 to provide subjectdistance information to the main camera controller 68. Although thelight sensor 64 can be implemented as a discrete component to providelight level data to the main camera controller 68, it is preferable toutilize the CCD image sensor 94 provided in the analog subsystem unit 70to perform the light sensing operation in additional to image capture.Individual pixel elements or groups of pixel elements within the CCDimage sensor 94, for example, are sampled prior to an exposure operationto provide light level data to the main camera controller 68, therebyeliminating the need for a separate light level sensor.

[0040] The film transport unit 60 includes a conventional film drive 96that advances photographic film from a film cartridge located in a filmchamber 98 to the image plane 100 of the film transport unit 60, wherethe photographic film is exposed to scene light by the silver-halideoptical system 14 described above, and then to a winding spool 102. Thefilm drive 96 also works in reverse in a conventional manner to rewindexposed film from the winding spool 102 back into the cartridge locatedin the film chamber 98 in response to a rewind signal provided eitherautomatically from the main camera controller 68 or by the activation ofa rewind switch on the camera operator interface 74. Various sensors,including a film perforation sensor 104 and cartridge sensors 106, areprovide within the film transport unit 60 to provide informationregarding the presence and type of the film cartridge and the advance ofthe film to the main camera control unit 68 in a conventional manner. Inaddition, at least one magnetic head 108 is provided to write datasupplied from the main camera controller 68 to a magnetic layer providedon the photographic film. For example, as in the known film for APScameras, specific areas located adjacent to each photographic image aredefined as camera magnetic recording tracks and photo-finisher magneticrecording tracks where data is magnetically recorded on a magnetic layerof the photographic film. In some applications, it is also desirable forthe magnetic head 108 to read data already provided on the magneticlayer of the photographic film for transfer to the main cameracontroller 68.

[0041] The analog subsystem unit 70 includes the CCD image sensor 94, avertical clock drive circuit 110, a horizontal clock drive circuit 112and support electronics for the CCD image sensor 94 including acorrelated double sample (CDS) circuit 114, a programmable gainamplifier 116, and an analog-to-digital (AID) converter 118. In apreferred embodiment, the CCD image sensor 94 is a KAI-0320CM device(manufactured by Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester, New York) thatincludes a 640×480 array of imaging elements with a Bayer color filterarray. The signal from the CCD image sensor 94 is provided to the CDScircuit 114, which takes into account a pixel by pixel reference levelprovided by the CCD image sensor 94. The signal output from the CDScircuit 114 is supplied to the programmable gain stage 116. The use ofthe programmable gain stage 116 allows the operating range of the systemto be extended under low light conditions by boosting the signal levelreceived from the CCD image sensor 94. The programmable gain stage 116is programmed digitally via a serial data connection provided to thedigital subsystem unit 72. The A/D converter 118 converts the sampledand amplified analog signal output from the programmable gain stage 116into a ten bit digital value. The CDS circuit 114, the programmable gainstage 116, and the A/D converter 118 are preferably implemented with aPhilips TDA8786 integrated circuit device. The TDA8786 integratedcircuit device also includes a digital-to-analog (D/A) converter (notshown) that is used to control the substrate voltage of the CCD imagesensor 94, thereby eliminating the need for a potentiometer or otheradjustment to provide this function. Accordingly, manufacturingadjustments for variations in different CCD image sensors are greatlysimplified. The D/A converter of the TDA8786 integrated circuit deviceis programmed by the same serial data connection to the digitalsubsystem 72 used to program the programmable gain stage 114.

[0042] The digital subsystem unit 72 includes a microcontroller 120, anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 122 that includes varioustiming and data handling circuits, a DRAM or non-volatile working memory124, a non-volatile base camera flash memory 126, a read only memory(ROM) 128, a memory card interface connector 130 for receiving anonvolatile memory card, LCD interface drive circuitry 132 for drivingthe main screen unit 36, and a standard communications interface circuit134 (for example RS232) coupled to a data communications port 136provided on the main camera body 10. The digital subsystem unit 72 worksin cooperation with the main camera controller 68 to control theoperation of the various system components. In addition, the digitalsubsystem unit 72 interfaces with a host computer to perform variousoperations when the main camera body 10 is coupled to the host computervia the data communications port 136. The data communications port 136can either be a hard wire type communications port (i.e. requiring aphysical connection to the host computer) or a wireless typecommunication port (for example infrared or RF).

[0043] The microcontroller 120 is preferably implemented using aMotorola MPC823 PowerPC based reduced instruction set (RISC)microcontroller. In addition to the PowerPC core, this device includes aserial data communications channel for host communication, timers formonitoring or controlling the lengths of events, an LCD controller forproviding image data to the main screen display unit 36, and somedigital signal processing (DSP) capabilities to facilitate processingimage data. A DRAM controller is also provided by the MPC823 device toallow a direct connection to common DRAM type memories, and bitaddressable input/output ports provide for low level control of digitalimage capture mechanisms, for example, serially programming the PhilipsTDA8786 integrated circuit device in the analog subsystem unit 70,providing low speed clock signals (line rate and frame rate) to theanalog subsystem unit 70, and sensing synchronization event signals fromthe main camera controller 68 and the timing and data handling ASIC 122.

[0044] The timing and data handling ASIC 122 includes basic timing anddata handling circuits to provide the interface between the digitalsubsystem unit 72 and the analog subsystem unit 72 and the analogsubsystem 70, the interface between the MPC823's LCD controller and themain screen 36, and the interface between the MPC823 and a non-volatilememory card connected to the interface connection 130. For example, forthe interface between the analog subsystem unit 70 and the digitalsubsystem unit 72, the ASIC 122 includes an analog subsystem timingchain that provides clocks signals for the various components of theanalog subsystem unit 70 as image data flows from the analog subsystemunit 70 and into the digital subsystem unit 72. The timing for theanalog subsystem 70 unit is line based, namely, the clocking,conditioning, conversion, and collection of image data for the pixels ina line, but additional timing signals are provided by themicrocontroller 120 to begin each line, to begin a frame, and to controlelectronic exposure. The data handling circuit of the ASIC 122 collectsthe ten bit image data from the analog subsystem unit 70, applies afunction to the data for the purpose of compressing the data from tenbits to eight bits (selectable between a two bit right shift and a fixedfunction), packs the data into thirty-two bit words, and places the datainto a small FIFO (32 bits wide by 2 bits deep) prior to subsequenttransfer to the microcontroller 120. For the interface to the mainscreen 36, the ASIC 122 provides a timing chain that operates inconjunction with the LCD controller of the microcontroller 120 torefresh the main display screen unit 36 by providing both line rate andframe rate signals. The ASIC 122 operates autonomously and requires noperiodic intervention from the microcontroller 120 in order tocontinuously refresh the main display screen unit 36. For the interfaceto a non-volatile memory card coupled to the interface connector 130,the ASIC 122 isolates the memory card from the bus of themicrocontroller 120 and also provides control signal timing foraccessing the memory card.

[0045] As described above, the digital subsystem unit 72 includes threetypes of memory: DRAM based working memory 124, read only memory 128,and EPROM based non-volatile flash base camera memory 126 that isinternally fixed within the camera body 10. The working memory 124 isused during image data collection and processing, and also serves as aframe buffer for the main display screen unit 36. The ROM 128 is used tostore the basic operating instructions for the microcontroller 120 ofthe digital subsystem unit 70. The EPROM based non-volatile flash basecamera memory 126 is used for storage of album images selected by thecamera operator and film mode images captured during the film imagingmode of operation that correspond to photographic images. In addition,the flash memory 126 is also utilized to store basic camera status andoperating data including the various operating modes selected by thecamera operator. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, the base camera memory126 is functionally divided into a camera status storage section 123 forstoring the camera status and operational data, an album image storagesection 125 for storing album images, and a film mode image storagesection 127 for storing film mode digital images. As will be describedin greater detail, the operator can select certain images for albumstorage in the album storage section 125 of the base camera memory 126in addition to storage in a memory card (for example a flash memory cardor PCMCIA card) coupled to the interface connector 130 or capture onphotographic film. Alternatively, rather than using a removable memorycard, base memory 126 could include a non-volatile memory or storagesection for high resolution images captured in any mode.

[0046] The main camera controller 68 includes a microcontroller 140 thatcommunicates with the digital subsystem unit 72, camera operatorinterface 74, the light sensor 64 and the range finder module 62, inorder to control the operation of the various system componentsincluding the silver-halide optical system 14, the digital imagingoptical system 16, and the film transport 60. In addition, the maincamera controller 68 includes a magnetics I/O-circuit 142 and a motordrive circuit 144 to respectively drive the magnetic head 108 of thefilm transport unit 60 and the various motors in the aperture, telephotoand focusing mechanisms of the silver-halide optical system 14 and thedigital imaging optical system 16. The main camera controller 68 alsomanages power up and power down sequencing, keeps track of calendar andtime, and controls the operation of the electronic flash unit 18.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, a Mitsubishi 38000 seriesmicrocontroller is utilized for the microcontroller 140 of the maincamera controller 68. The Mitsubishi 38000 series microcontrollerincludes a built-in LCD driver, which can be utilized to drive the LCDstatus unit 22, and a low speed A/D converter with several multiplexedinputs. Several of the A/D inputs are used to measure the signals fromthe perforation sensor 104 and cartridge sensors 106 provided in thefilm transport unit 60. The Mitsubishi 38000 series microcontroller alsohas an extremely low power mode with low frequency operation, whichallows the microcontroller to wake up periodically to keep track of thetime. During camera operation, the microcontroller 140 can switch tohigh frequency operation for the duration of any events requiringadditional processing power, and then switch back to low frequency toconserve power. If a power on event is detected (actuation of theshutter button, opening of the lens cover, opening and closing the filmcartridge door, etc.), the microcontroller 140 manages the power upsequencing for other subsystems by enabling appropriate modules withinthe power supply unit 76. The microcontroller 140 holds the digitalsubsystem microcontroller 120 in reset until its power supply from thepower supply unit 76 is stable. An asynchronous serial interface allowsthe main camera controller 68 to receive and send commands to and fromthe digital subsystem unit 72. Various operator controls discussed abovethat constitute part of the camera operator interface 74 are also sensedby the microcontroller's 140 input lines.

[0048] The camera operator interface 74 includes the various operatorcontrols mentioned above in conjunction with the main screen displayunit 36 and LCD status unit 22. The LCD status unit 22 is a preferably amonochrome device to reduce power requirements, and includes segmentsfor displaying conventional camera data including: time and date data;battery condition data; film speed data; exposure mode data; flash modedata; the presence of a film cartridge; and the number of film exposuresremaining. In addition, the LCD status unit 22 includes a segment thatindicates the presence of a memory card coupled to the interfaceconnector 130, and the number of images that can be stored on the memorycard. The main screen display unit 36 is a thin film transistor (TFT)type active matrix LCD available from Sharp, which includes 384 cellsper row by 220 rows in the display, consequently 84,480 bytes of workingmemory are required for the display frame buffer of the main screendisplay unit 36.

[0049] The power supply unit 76 preferably provides power to the othersubsystems of the camera from four AA cells 77 (lithium or alkaline) ora main source of power via a power adapter connection 79. A number ofpower modules are provided within the power supply unit 76 that can beindependently controlled by the main camera controller 68 including: anLCD power module 150; an analog subsystem module 152; a main powermodule 154; an LCD backlight power module 156; a digital subsystem powermodule 158; and a flash charger and control module 160. The LCDbacklight power module 156 is adjustable by the main camera controller68 to allow customer brightness adjustment and automatic compensationfor ambient light level. Power can be switched on and off independentlyfor the analog subsystem module 152, the digital subsystem module 158,and the main power module 154. The flash charger and control module 160charges up a flash capacitor 162 of the electronic flash unit 18. Aconventional sensing circuit provides an indication to the main cameracontroller 68 when the capacitor 160 is charged sufficiently to allow apicture to be taken. The main camera controller 68 triggers theflashtube 164 of the flash unit 18 by means of a dedicated control line.All of the power modules of the power supply unit 76 can be separatelyenabled and disabled by the main camera controller 68 in order toconserve power.

[0050] The basic function of the above-described hybrid camera in threeimage capture modes of operations will now be described in greaterdetail. The three image capture modes of operation include: a digitalcapture mode in which digital mode digital images are captured andstored on a memory card coupled to the interface connector 130; a filmcapture mode in which photographic images are captured on photographicfilm and film mode digital images are captured and stored in the basecamera memory 126; and a hybrid capture mode in which hybrid modedigital images are captured for storage on a memory card andcorresponding photographic images are captured on photographic film. Forthe purposes of the initial discussion of the three image capture modes,it will be assumed that: a film cartridge has been loaded in the filmtransport unit 60; a memory card has been connected to the interfaceconnector 130 of the digital subsystem 72; and the camera is in a powerdown mode in which the main camera controller 68 is waiting for aninitialization event.

[0051] The main camera controller 68 waits for an initialization eventin a power down mode to conserve energy. The initialization event mayinclude, for example, the movement of the lens cover 12 to the extendedposition, which in turn activates a switch that supplies a correspondingsignal to the main camera controller 68 to power-up. In response to theinitialization event, the main camera controller 68 enters a power upmode and activates various power modules in the power supply unit 76 topower up the corresponding components of the camera. It should be notedthat the analog subsystem unit 70 and electronic subsystem unit 72 arepowered-up regardless of the type of image capture mode selected, as afull resolution and full size digital working image is generated andstored in the working memory 124 in each image capture mode. As will beexplained in greater detail, however, the processing of the workingimage varies based on the type of image capture mode selected. The maincamera controller 68 activates the LCD status unit 22 to display thecamera status information stored in the flash memory 126, and sets thedigital optical system 16, silver-halide optical system 14 andviewfinder 20 to the last image format previously selected oralternatively a default format.

[0052] At this point, the operator can initiate an exposure operation byactivating the shutter button 24. Alternatively, the operator may chooseto change either the image format or the image capture mode by operatingthe image format selector switch 30 and the image capture mode selectorswitch 23 accordingly. If the image format mode is changed, the maincamera controller 68 controls the viewfinder 20 to select theappropriate mask that corresponds to the selected image format settingcorresponding to the new image format. The operator may also choose touse the zoom control switch 25 to adjust the lens of the silver halideoptical system 14 and the digital optical system 16. The main cameracontroller 68 controls the operation of the zoom/focus mechanism 82 andthe telephoto mechanism 88 in response to signals received from the zoomcontrol switch 25. At the same time, the optical system 21 of theoptical viewfinder 20 is adjusted via the mechanical linkage 83 coupledto the zoom/focus mechanism 82. If the operator does not proceed with anexposure operation or the activation of some other camera functionwithin a predetermined time period, the main camera controller 68deactivates the LCD status unit 22 and controls the power supply unit 76to once again power down the camera to conserve energy.

[0053] As stated above, a digital working image is captured in all threeimage capture modes of operation that corresponds to an image resolutionand has an image size corresponding to an aspect ratio of the CCD imagesensor 94. The resolution of a digital image subsequently stored ordisplayed, however, is varied based on the type of image capture modeselected. In the digital image capture mode, a full resolution digitalmode image is stored without cropping in a memory card coupled to theinterface connector 130. See FIG. 13A, for example. In the film imagecapture mode, where the digital image will only be utilized for displayon the main screen display unit 36 to show the operator what wascaptured on film, a film mode image of a lower resolution is prepared byelectronically cropping and interpolating the full resolution digitalimage to respectively correspond to the resolution of the main screendisplay unit 36 and to the aspect ratio of the photographic film images,and is stored in the base camera memory 126. See FIGS. 13B-D, forexample. In the hybrid image capture mode, where it is desirable tomatch the image size of the digital image to the aspect ratio of theimage to be captured on photographic film but retain a high resolutiondigital image, the digital image is electronically cropped to create ahybrid mode image which is stored in a memory card coupled to theinterface connector 30. See also FIGS. 13B-D. Accordingly, a film modeimage and a hybrid mode image are essentially cropped versions of thedigital mode image with respectively different and equal resolutions.

[0054] Prior to exposure in any digital image capture mode, the maincamera controller 68 initiates pre-exposure operations, such asautofocusing and exposure control operations to determine subjectdistance and exposure conditions, in order to properly set the aperturesand lenses of the silver-halide optical system 14 and the digitalimaging optical 16 system and to determine if flash is required. In apreferred embodiment, the shutter button 24 is a two position switch.When the shutter button 24 is pressed to the first position, a signal issent to the main camera controller 68 to perform the necessarypre-exposure operations. If the camera is in the power down mode, themovement of the shutter button 24 to the first position also causes themain camera controller 68 to initiate the power up mode prior toperforming the pre-exposure operation. When the shutter button 24 ispressed to the second position, an exposure signal is sent to the maincamera controller 68 to initiate an exposure operation.

[0055] When an exposure operation is initiated in the digital imagecapture mode, the main camera controller 68 informs the digitalsubsystem unit 72 that a full resolution and full size digital modeimage is to be captured and stored in a memory card coupled to theinterface connector 130. The microcontroller 120 of the digitalsubsystem unit 72 sends the necessary control signals to the analogsubsystem unit 70 to initiate image capture with the CCD image sensor94, to process the analog image signals from the CCD image sensor 94with the CDS circuit 114, the programmable gain amplifier 116, and theA/D converter 118, and to supply a full resolution and full size digitalworking image to the working memory 124 of the digital subsystem 72. Thefull resolution and full size digital working image is then transferredto the interface connector 130 by the microcontroller 120 for subsequentstorage in the memory card as a digital mode image.

[0056] When an exposure operation is initiated in the film capture mode,a full resolution and full size digital working image is again suppliedfrom the analog subsystem unit 72 to the working memory 124 of thedigital subsystem unit 70. At the same time, the aperture/shuttermechanism 80 of the silver-halide optical system 14 is activated by themain camera controller 68 so that scene light is supplied to the imageplane 100 of the film transport unit 60. Accordingly, a photographicfilm image is captured that corresponds to the digital working imagestored in the working memory 124. In the case of the film capture mode,however, the digital image will be utilized primarily for displaypurposes to enable the camera operator to verify what was captured onthe corresponding photographic film image. However, by using maincontrol unit 38 to enter an editing mode and using the display of FIG.15, the last captured digital image may still be stored in the memorycard. To store a film image for display, the microcontroller 120 of thedigital subsystem unit 72 generates and transfers a lower resolutionrepresentation of the full resolution digital working image as a filmmode image in a film image storage section of the flash memory 126. Inaddition, the working image is cropped in size so that the film modeimage corresponds to the aspect ratio of the corresponding photographicfilm image, as the film mode image need only contain the same sceneinformation as the corresponding photographic film image. The reductionof the resolution and size of the film mode image permits the size ofthe film image storage section in the flash memory 126 to be minimized.As the flash memory 126 is integrated and internal to the camerastructure, it is preferable to minimize the amount of memory requiredfor the flash memory 126 in order to reduce the expense and size of theoverall camera. Accordingly, standard image compression techniques, forexample JPEG, are preferably utilized to compress the film mode imageprior to storage. The film mode image is preferably tagged withidentification data (ID data) the indicates the film frame number of thecorresponding film image, so the film mode images stored in the filmmode image storage section 127 can be properly matched to theircorresponding photographic film images when displayed on the main screendisplay unit 36 in response to a display signal supplied to themicrocontroller 120 from the camera operator interface 74.

[0057] In the hybrid image capture mode, a full size working image isagain captured with a corresponding photographic film image and suppliedto the working memory 124 of the digital subsystem 70. As in a film modecapture operation, the microcontroller 120 does not transfer thecomplete digital image, but generates and transfers a reduced sizeddigital image to the interface connector 130 for storage in the memorycard as a hybrid mode image. The reduced sized hybrid mode digitalimage, as with the film mode image, has an aspect ratio that correspondsto the aspect ratio of the corresponding photographic film image, butmaintains the same resolution as the working image stored in the workingmemory 124. The effective cropping of the size of the working image tomatch the aspect ratio of the corresponding photographic image allowsfor a reduction in the amount of memory required to store a hybrid modeimage as compared with a digital mode image. Accordingly, a greaternumber of hybrid mode images can be stored on the memory card ascompared with digital mode images. In the case of either hybrid modeimages or digital mode images, it is further preferable to have themicrocontroller 120 compress the images prior to storage as with thefilm mode images. Although a loss of information results from thecropping of the working images when storing a hybrid mode image, theimage information removed to produce the hybrid mode image is notrequired, as the hybrid mode image contains the same image informationas the corresponding photographic image. If the camera operator wishesto retain all image information, then a digital mode image should becaptured instead of a hybrid mode image in the illustrated embodiment.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the last captured working imageremains in the working memory 124 until a new exposure operation isinitiated regardless of the image capture mode selected, and regardlessof whether the film cartridge is removed from the film chamber 98 or thememory card is removed from the interface connector 130. A quick reviewswitch 37, illustrated in FIG. 5, is provided on the back of the camerabody 10. At any time after the capture of an image and before capture ofa next image, the review switch 37 can be activated by the cameraoperator to display the last captured working image on the main screendisplay unit 36 as a review image. The last captured working image thuscan be displayed without requiring the availability of the non-volatilememory of the memory card. Activation of the review switch 37 provides asignal to the microcontroller 120 to initiate the transfer of theworking image stored in the working memory 124 to the LCD drive circuit132 for subsequent display on the main screen display unit 36 as areview image. It should be noted that during the exposure operationdescribed above, the main screen display unit 36 is not activated unlessspecifically turned on by the camera operator. Accordingly, when thereview switch 37 is activated, the microcontroller 120 activates themain screen display unit 36 to display the review image, either for apredetermined period of time or until the review switch 37 isdeactivated, and then deactivates the main screen display unit 36 toenter the power conservation mode.

[0059] In contrast to the last working image, the film mode imagesstored in the film mode image storage section 127 of the flash memory126 are preferably erased by the microcontroller 120 when the film isrewound into the cartridge. The size of the film mode image storagesection 127 of the flash memory 126 need therefore only be sufficient tostore a number of film mode images corresponding to the maximum numberof film images that could be captured on one film cartridge. As statedabove, it is desirable to limit the size of the film mode image storagesection 127 to reduce the expense and size of the camera. Accordingly,in the preferred embodiment, digital images corresponding to imagescaptured on photographic film are only retained in the hybrid imagecapture mode unless selected for album storage as will be described ingreater detail.

[0060] The camera operator can initiate a review of all digital imagesstored in either a memory card or the base camera memory 126 byactivating the main screen display unit operation switch 39, therebysending a display signal to the microcontroller 120. Review of film modeimages corresponding to images captured on film is accomplished bysetting the main screen display unit operation switch 39 to theillustrated “F” or “FILM” setting. In response, the microcontroller 120retrieves the digital film mode image stored in the film mode imagestorage section 127 of the base camera memory 126 corresponding to thelast photographic film image taken and displays the image on the mainscreen display unit 36. The camera operator can then manually scrollthrough digital film mode images in forward and reverse directions byutilizing the right directional switch 48 of the main screen operatorcontrol unit 38 or the left directional switch 52. Similarly, digitalimages stored in either the digital image capture mode or hybrid imagecapture mode can be displayed and scrolled by utilizing the samedirectional switches and setting the operation switch 39 to theillustrated “D” or “DIGITAL” setting. In addition, instead of startingat the last image stored in either the base camera memory 126 or thememory card, a menu option window can be displayed on the main screendisplay unit 36 to allow the operator to select a specific image as thefirst image to be displayed.

[0061] Still further, instead of requiring the operator to enter amanual command to scroll through each image, a “slide show” option ispreferably provided to allow the automatic scrolling of images aftereither predetermined time periods or time periods selected by theoperator. For example, upon setting the operation switch 39 to aselected setting, the microcontroller 120 of the digital subsystem 72sends a scroll option window to the main screen display unit 36 fordisplay. The scroll option window includes a “Manual Scroll” icon and an“Slide Show” icon as illustrated in FIG. 8. The camera operator utilizesthe main screen operator control unit 38 to enter control signals to themicrocontroller 120 to select the desired scroll option. Themicrocontroller 120 sends an image selection list to the main screendisplay 36 for operator selection that includes a “Last Image Recorded”icon and a “Selected Image” icon as shown in FIG. 9. If the “Last ImageRecorded” icon is selected by the operator, the microcontroller 120controls the transfer and display of the stored digital images in eithermanual or automatic scrolling modes starting with the last imagerecorded and then decrements. If the “Selected Image” icon is selectedby the operator, the microcontroller 120 controls the display unit 36 todisplay a selected image list as illustrated in FIG. 10. The operatorcan then scroll through the numeric list and select the desired startingimage using the main screen operator control unit 38. Alternatively,different user interfaces can be employed, for example scrolling numbersor the display of a virtual keyboard on the display unit 36, to allowthe operator to select a specific image as the start image. Stillfurther, a small keyboard or keypad can be incorporated in the camera aspart of the camera operator interface 74. If the automatic scroll modeis selected, a further user interface window (not shown) is displayed onthe main display screen 36 to allow the operator to select a desiredtime period between images or a default time period previously stored inmemory.

[0062] In addition to scrolling through the stored images, a moreadvanced graphical user interface can be incorporated to permit theoperator to select various camera functions. For example, as shown inFIG. 11, camera function icons are displayed in an icon group 200 on themain screen display unit 36 to edit information related to the images(including conventional APS data), obtain help information, enter userdefined data into the camera or perform other functions. An imagedisplay area 202 is used to display the digital image being reviewed oredited the display area 202 to indicate the respective position of thedisplayed digital image in its associated memory. A function namedisplay area 206 displays the camera function currently selected. Afunction data entry area 208 displays data associated with the selectedcamera function. If desired, the icon group 200 can be generated astransparent icons that can be laid over the displayed digital image, sothat the size of the image display area 202 can be expanded and thecamera operator can see the displayed digital image through thedisplayed icons.

[0063] Each camera function selectable by the camera operator has acorresponding individual icon in the icon group 200. In the illustratedexample, a copy number function is accessed by selecting a copy numbericon 210, an image format function is accessed by selecting an imageformat icon 212, a title function is accessed by selecting a title icon214, an album function is accessed by selecting an album icon 216, and amagnifying function is accessed by selecting a magnification icon 218.The camera operator activates the edit switch 40 to cause the firstfunction icon displayed in the icon group 200, in this case the copynumber icon 210, on the main screen display unit 36 to be highlighted.The up directional switch 46 and the down direction switch 50 areutilized to advance through the displayed function icons until thedesired title icon 208 is highlighted. For example, by activating thedown direction switch 50 twice, the highlighted icon sequentially movesfrom the copy number icon 210 to the image format icon 212 and then tothe title icon 214. Once the desired function icon is highlighted, forexample the title icon 214, the operator presses the edit switch 40 toenter the highlighted function mode. The name of the function mode isdisplayed in the function name display area 206 of the main screendisplay unit 36 and the current data for the selected image is displayedin the function data entry area 208. In the case of titles, the updirectional switch 46 and the down directional switch 50 are utilized toscroll through pre-programmed titles. Alternatively, the operator canenter a desired title by scrolling through and selecting individualcharacters displayed in the function data entry area 208. A function isexited by pressing the exit switch 42.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, if the operator changes the title ofone digital image and then uses the directional switches to selectedanother digital image without exiting the title function, the titleselected for the previous digital image will be automatically selectedfor the newly selected digital image. The title will continue to bemaintained for all digital images viewed in the title function modeuntil the camera operator either exits the function or selects a newtitle. Accordingly, the camera operator can modify a sequence of imagesto have the same title in a quick and convenient manner.

[0065] The camera operator can change the image format of the displayedhybrid or film mode image by selecting the image format function icon212 to enter the image format function as illustrated in FIG. 12. Theoperator can select image formats including classic, HDTV and panoramicformats associated with conventional APS cameras. Film mode images andhybrid mode images are stored and displayed on the main screen display36 in a 9:16 aspect ratio corresponding to the aspect ratio of thesilver-halide image system 14, and digital mode images are stored anddisplayed in a 3:4 aspect ratio corresponding to the aspect ratio of theCCD image sensor 94. The image format selected by the operator beforethe image was captured is displayed in the function data entry area 208.The operator then uses the main screen operator control unit 38 to editthe image format selection. In a preferred embodiment, the fullavailable digital image for a given image capture mode is displayed anda mask 220 may be used to indicate to the operator which portions of theimage will be excluded for a given selected digital image, when aneventual photographic print is made from the corresponding film image.FIG. 12, for example, illustrates a digital mode image that is beingdisplayed in HDTV format. Accordingly, the operator can change an imageformat, for example from classic format to a panoramic format, andcompare the differences between the two formats before making a finaldecision as to which format is desired for the selected image. FIG. 13Aillustrates an uncropped digital format. FIGS. 13B, C and D illustratethe same digital format cropped, respectively, to the film or hybridHDTV format, the film or hybrid panoramic format, and the film or hybridclassic format.

[0066] The film mode images, hybrid mode images and digital mode imagesare stored as image records that include an ID file, an imageinformation file (IIF) and an image data field (IDF) as illustrated inFIG. 14. The ID file contains data identifying the images and includes,for example, the frame number tag of a corresponding photographic filmimage in the case of film mode images and hybrid mode images. The IIFcontains image data related to the images and includes, for example,conventional APS data in addition to other data associated with theimage that can be entered by the camera operator through the cameraoperator interface 74 or downloaded via the data communications port136. The IDF contains the actual pixel data for the digital image. Whenan editing operation is performed, the IIF for the corresponding digitalimage is updated with the edited data by the microcontroller 120.Further, in the cased mode images, the operator edited data is alsowritten back to the magnetic recording tracks of the correspondingphotographic film image. Accordingly, changes selected by the operator,as with data written to the film during the image capture operation, canbe transmitted to a photo finisher with the exposed photographic film.

[0067] Data is conventionally written to the magnetic recording tracksof the photographic film by the magnetic head 108 after an exposureoperation is completed and the film is advanced from one frame to thenext frame by the film transport unit 60. Accordingly, when editinginformation has been entered with respect to film mode images or hybridmode images, the photographic film is rewound and advanced once again bythe film transport unit 60 so that the edited data can be written tophotographic film by the magnetic head 108. Alternatively, the editinginformation can be written to the photographic film during a rewindoperation prior to removing a film cartridge from the camera. In thismanner, it is possible to edit data written to the photographic film atany time, either prior to the removal of the film cartridge 98 or evenafter re-insertion of a film cartridge into the film chamber 98. If thecamera operator would like to save a particular image for future review,even after a film cartridge or memory card is removed, the cameraoperator can select the album function icon 216 in the function icongroup as illustrated in FIG. 15. When the album function 216 isselected, the digital image displayed on the main screen display unit 36can be selectively stored as an album image in the album image storagesection 125 of the base camera memory 126 by using the directionalswitches to select either a “Yes” or “No” album copy option. A storedalbum image remains in the base camera memory 126 until specificallydeleted by the camera operator. Accordingly, the camera includes anintegrated album of stored images that remains with the camera. Ifdesired, the album image storage section 125 of the non-volatile flashmemory 126 can be further sub-divided into different album storagesub-sections (125 a, 125 b, 125 c, 125 d, etc. as shown in FIG. 7), sothat the camera operator can store related images (for example relatedby subject, date or time) in the same album sub-section or differentcamera operators can utilize different album sub-sections to store theirrespective images. In the event of different camera operators, passwordprotections are preferably utilized so that deletion and/or viewing ofimages can be performed only by the operator that stored the images.

[0068] Album images, as with film mode images, have a resolutioncorresponding to the resolution of the main screen display unit 36. Thesize of the album image preferably corresponds to the size of theunderlying digital image selected for album storage. For example, if afilm mode image or a hybrid mode image is selected for album storage,the size of the album image will correspond to the image size of thehybrid mode image. Alternatively, if a digital mode image is selectedfrom album storage, the size of the album image will correspond to theimage size of the digital mode image.

[0069] The images stored in the album may be accessed by setting displayunit operation switch 39 to the “A” or “ALBUM” position shown in FIG. 5.An image in the album will be displayed on main display unit 36. Thedirectional switches 48, 52 may then be used to scroll up or down andchange the image displayed. The edit switch 40 may be used to displaythe screen of FIG. 16 and the slide show feature discussed above canalso be utilized to display the album images. FIG. 16, for example,illustrates a slide show icon 222 that, when selected, allows the cameraoperator to activate the slide show feature. While in the slide showfunction, the up directional switch 46 and the down directional switch50 are used to control the speed at which images are presented or adefault speed can be utilized. In a preferred embodiment, themicrocontroller 120 will control the display of each album image oncewhen the camera is powered by batteries 77 and then exit the function toconserve energy. When the camera is connected to a main power source viathe power adapter connector 79 , the microcontroller 120 will controlthe display of the album images so that they continue to scroll throughuntil the operator activates the exit switch 42. A delete icon 228 maybe used to remove images from the album.

[0070] Other functions include a magnifying function that allows theoperator to temporarily magnify the image of the main display screen 36when the magnification icon 218 is selected, a utilities function thatallows the operator to enter time and date information when theutilities icon 224 is selected, a help function that the operator canaccess to obtain information from a help menu when the help icon 226 isselected, and a print copy function that can be accessed by clicking onthe print copy icon 210. By entering the number of print copy function,the camera operator can select the number of prints desired from aphotographic film image corresponding to either a film mode digitalimage or a hybrid mode digital image. The number of prints data is thenwritten to the corresponding photographic film image by the magnetichead 108. Similarly, an image processing function is preferablyincorporated that permits the operator to crop and pan images, where theimage processing data is written to the photographic film forsubsequently retrieval and use by a photo finisher.

[0071] In order to offer the operator the opportunity to edit imageinformation prior to removal of a film cartridge from the film chamber98, it is preferable not to have the film automatically rewind after thecompletion of a roll. Instead, an indicator is provided, for example anLED indicator in the viewfinder, informing the camera operator that theend of roll has been reached. At this point, the camera operator canpress a rewind switch to institute film rewinding if editing of imageinformation is not desired. If editing is desired, however, the cameraoperator turns on the main display unit 36 the microcontroller 120causes a current film order window of the type illustrated in FIG. 17 tobe display indicating the type of images captured. The camera operatorcan then activate the edit switch 40 to cause the camera to go into themodes described above or activate the exit switch 42 to cause filmrewinding.

[0072] It is desirable to provide a mechanism for identifying the hybridmode images stored on the memory card with the film cartridge containingthe corresponding film images. In one embodiment, the detection of theinsertion of a film cartridge by the cartridge sensors 106 causes themicrocontroller 120 to display a film cartridge identification promptsillustrated in FIG. 18. The camera operator then utilizes the mainscreen operator control unit 38 to scroll through alphanumericcharacters until a desired character is highlighted. The camera operatorthen presses the edit switch 40 to select the highlighted characterwhich is then displayed in a ID display area 230. The camera operatorcontinues to select characters until the exit switch 42 is pressed toexit the function. The user is prompted to enter a roll identificationcode each time a film cartridge is inserted into the film chamber 98.The microcontroller 120 then tags each film mode image and hybrid modeimage with the roll identification code and frame number for eachcorresponding photographic image as part of the ID file.

[0073] Alternatively, an automatic mechanism for providing rollidentification can be incorporated into the camera. For example, thecartridge sensors 106 include a cartridge identification sensor 107 thatreads an optically encoded or magnetically encoded roll or cartridgeidentification code provided on a film cartridge, and supplies theidentification code to the main camera controller 68 for transfer to themicrocontroller 120 . The microcontroller 120 can thereforeautomatically tag each digital image, whether a film mode image orhybrid mode image, with the corresponding film cartridge ID. Although itis preferable to include the cartridge identification sensor 107 withinthe film chamber 98, it is also possible to provide the cartridgeidentification sensor 107 in the main body 10 of the camera in a mannerpermitting the camera operator to pass a film cartridge over thecartridge identification sensor 107 prior to inserting it into the filmchamber 98. Also, the CCD array 94 could be used to image anidentification code on a cartridge held before the camera, after whichcontroller 120 would process the image of the cartridge to extract thecode. Still further, the main body 10 can be provided with a detachable“wand” with the cartridge identification sensor 107 located on the endof the wand, thereby allowing the camera operator to scan the filmcartridge with the wand to enter the cartridge identification data. Inaddition, roll or cartridge identification code can be provided on themagnetic layer of the photographic film, such as in the form of a headerfile on the leader portion of the film. The magnetic head 108 is thenused to read the header file and transfer the roll identification codeto the main camera controller 74 and subsequently the microcontroller120. The microcontroller 102 then stores the roll identification code aspart of the ID file for a hybrid mode image or a film mode image.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, only those hybrid mode imagescorresponding photographic film images located on the film cartridgepresently retained within the camera are displayed during a scrolling,review or editing operation, thereby preventing the camera operator fromediting information related to a hybrid mode image when the editinginformation cannot be stored on the corresponding photographic filmimage. Alternatively, the camera operator may be permitted to scrollthrough all of the hybrid mode images stored on the memory card. In theevent, however, that the camera operator attempts to edit a hybrid modeimage that does not have a corresponding photographic film image on thepresently retained film cartridge, a warning indication is displayed onthe main display screen unit 36 advising the operator to insert thecorrect film cartridge. Once the correct film cartridge is inserted, thecamera operator is permitted to edit the information and the informationis updated on the magnetic recording tracks of the correspondingphotographic film image.

[0075] In a further embodiment, instead of writing a cartridgeidentification code on the hybrid mode image, a memory cardidentification code can be written to a film cartridge or the magneticrecording tracks of each corresponding photographic film image. In sucha case, the microcontroller 120 keeps an identification table thatindicates which film exposure corresponds to a given hybrid mode image.For example, when a film cartridge is removed, the information containedin the table is written to the photographic film, preferably in the formof a header file at the leader portion of the photographic film.Accordingly, when a memory card is inserted into the camera and theediting mode is selected to edit hybrid mode images, the microcontroller120 can identify whether the film cartridge presently in the camerawould contain images corresponding to the hybrid mode image desired tobe edited. If not, the operator is notified and prompted to change thefilm cartridge. When a new cartridge is entered the identification tableis updated with the information corresponding to that particularcartridge. It would be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artthat other addressing schemes can be employed to provide identificationtags for corresponding rolls and memory card.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 19, the camera body 10 can be connected toa host computer 232 via data communication port 136. When tethered tothe host computer 232, all operator inputs usually selected by thevarious switches provided by the camera operator interface 74 can besent to the camera by the host computer 232. Accordingly, the camera canbe operated remotely by a local operator working on the host computer232 or a remote operator working on a remote computer 234 linked to thehost computer 232 by any form of communication link 233. In oneembodiment, a graphical user interface is displayed on a monitor 236 ofthe host computer 232 (or the remote computer 234) including virtualswitches representing each of the actual control switches of the cameraas illustrated in FIG. 20. Utilizing an interface device such as a“mouse”, the operator can “click” on any of the virtual control switchesto activate the corresponding function in the camera as if the actualbutton or switch on the camera were being depressed.

[0077] As it may be desirable to have the computer operator remain atthe computer instead of using the viewfinder 20 to frame a subjectimage, a virtual viewfinder is provided by utilizing the CCD imagesensor 94 to image the subject scene, either in a still image mode or amotion image mode, and supply a digital viewfinder image 238 to thecomputer monitor 236 for viewfinding purposes. For example, a workingimage is captured every second and supplied from the working memory 124to the host computer 232 via the data communication port 136 undercontrol of the microcontroller 120. When the subject image isappropriate, the computer operator then activates the virtual shutterbutton displayed on the computer monitor 236 to cause image capture.

[0078] The computer operator can perform a variety of image processingfunctions on digital images downloaded from the camera. For example,image processing software can be utilized in the host computer 232 toperform zoom, pan and crop functions on any portion of a displayedimage, attach special borders for special occasions, and print theedited images on a printer. Image data generated by the host computer232 can be transferred back to the camera to update the imageinformation files of film mode images stored in the base camera memory126 or of hybrid mode and digital mode images contained in a memory cardcoupled to the interface connector 130. In addition, data generated bythe host computer can be transferred to the camera for writing on themagnetic layer of the photographic film by the magnetic head 108.Accordingly, a computer operator can generate photo-finishing data onthe host computer 232 and transfer the photo-finishing data directly tothe photographic film in the camera, such that when the film ispresented to a photo-finisher, the data can be retrieved from thephotographic film and utilized in a photo- finishing operation. Stillfurther, album images contained in the host computer 232 can betransferred to the camera for storage in the album image storage section125 of the base camera memory 126.

[0079] The utilization of the host computer 232 to perform editingoperations provides the advantage of having more advanced processingpower available to perform the editing operations and a larger monitormaking it easier to view the edited images. However, the same editingfunctions can be included within the functions available to the cameraoperator. The camera operator can therefore perform image processingfunctions including zooming, cropping and panning utilize the cameracontrol interface 74 in conjunction with a user interface displayed onthe main display screen unit 36. Similarly, data corresponding to theediting operation is stored on the photographic film by writing theediting data to the film with the magnetic head 108.

[0080] The camera structure described above provides a number ofdistinct technical advantages. The provision of the album image storagesection 125 in the internal base camera memory 126 provides a convenientand practical method of allowing the camera operator to store digitalimages that can be easily transported and displayed. The provision ofthe quick review switch 37 enables an camera operator to quickly reviewthe last image captured, while at the same time conserving energy byallowing the main display screen 36 to remain deactivated untilspecifically required for the quick review. The provision of the datacommunication port allows the camera to be conveniently coupled to thehost computer 232, thereby allowing the host computer 232 to control theoperation of the camera. In addition, the host computer 232 can transferdata, including album images, directly for storage in the main cameramemory 126 or a memory card coupled to the interface connector 130, andalso transfer data to photographic film contained in the camera bywriting the data to the photographic film with the magnetic head 108.Still further, the camera operator interface 74 in operation with themain display screen unit 36 provides a convenient method of enteringcartridge identification data into the camera, thereby allowing hybridmode images stored on a memory card to be tagged with the cartridgeidentification code of a film cartridge containing correspondingphotographic images.

[0081] The invention has been described with reference to certainpreferred embodiments thereof. It will be understood, however, thatmodifications and variations are possible within the scope of theappended claims. For example, the invention has been described withreference to an exemplary graphical user interface. It will beunderstood, however, that specifics of the user interface utilized topresent and select camera functions can vary widely. In addition,modifications in the overall architecture of the camera are possible.For example, a single optical system can be utilized to provide scenelight to both the CCD image sensor 94 and the image plane 100 of thefilm transport unit 60. Parts List 10 . . . main camera body 12 . . .sliding lens cover 14 . . . silver-halide optical system 16 . . .digital imaging optical system 18 . . . electronic flash unit 19 . . .masking device 20 . . . optical viewfinder 21 . . . optical system 22 .. . LCD status unit 23 . . . image capture mode selector switch 24 . . .shutter button 25 . . . zoom control switch 26 . . . picture taking modeselector switch 28 . . . flash mode selector switch 30 . . . timer modeselector switch 32 . . . image format selector switch 34 . . . hingedsupport element 36 . . . main screen display unit 37 . . . review switch38 . . . main screen operator control unit 39 . . . display modeselection switch 40 . . . edit switch 42 . . . exit switch 44 . . .directional switch unit 46 . . . up directional switch 48 . . . rightdirectional switch 50 . . . down directional switch 52 . . . leftdirectional switch 54 . . . memory card door 56 . . . batterycompartment door 58 . . . film chamber door 60 . . . film transport unit62 . . . range finding module 64 . . . light sensor 68 . . . main cameracontroller 70 . . . analog subsystem unit 72 . . . digital subsystemunit 74 . . . camera operator interface 76 . . . power supply unit 77 .. . AA cells 78 . . . multi-element lens 79 . . . power adapterconnector 80 . . . aperture/shutter mechanism 82 . . . zoom/focusmechanism 84 . . . multi-element lens 86 . . . blur filter 88 . . .telephoto drive mechanism 90 . . . aperture drive mechanism 92 . . .aperture 94 . . . image sensor 96 . . . film drive 98 . . . film chamber100 . . . image plane 102 . . . winding spool 104 . . . film perforationsensor 106 . . . cartridge sensors 107 . . . cartridge identificationsensor 108 . . . magnetic head 110 . . . vertical clock drive circuit112 . . . horizontal clock drive circuit 114 . . . CDS circuit 116 . . .programmable gain amplifier 118 . . . A/D converter 120 . . .microcontroller 122 . . . application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)124 . . . DRAM working memory 125 . . . album storage section 126 . . .base camera flash memory 127 . . . film mode image storage section 128 .. . read only memory (ROM) 130 . . . memory card interface connector 132. . . LCD interface drive circuitry 134 . . . standard communicationsinterface circuit 136 . . . data communications port 140 . . .microcontroller 142 . . . magnetics I/O 144 . . . motor drivers 150 . .. LCD power module 152 . . . analog subsystem module 154 . . . mainpower module 156 . . . LCD backlight power module 158 . . . digitalsubsystem power module 160 . . . f lash charger and control module 162 .. . a flash capacitor 164 . . . flashtube 200 . . . icon group 202 . . .image display area 204 . . . a scroll bar 206 . . . function namedisplay area 208 . . . function data entry area 210 . . . copy numbericon 212 . . . image format icon 214 . . . title icon 216 . . . albumicon 218 . . . magnification icon 220 . . . mask 222 . . . slide showicon 224 . . . utilities icon 226 . . . help icon 228 . . . delete icon232 . . . host computer 233 . . . communications link 234 . . . remotecomputer 236 . . . monitor 238 . . . digital viewfinder image

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera comprising: digital imaging means forgenerating a digital image representative of a subject scene; fixedworking memory means for receiving and storing the digital imagegenerated by the digital imaging means as a working image; anon-volatile memory for storing digital images; a display screen; andcontrol processing means for controlling the operation of the digitalimaging means, the fixed working memory means and the display screen;wherein the control processing means generates a digital mode image fromthe working image stored in the working memory and transfers of thedigital mode image to the non-volatile memory while retaining theworking image in the working memory; wherein the control processingmeans selectively generates a display image from a digital mode imagestored in the non-volatile memory and transfers the display image to thedisplay screen for display; and wherein the control processing meansselectively generates a quick review image from the working image storedin the working memory and supplies the quick review image to the displayscreen for display without requiring availability of the non-volatilememory.
 2. A camera as claimed in claim 1, wherein the digital imagingmeans generates a plurality of digital images under control of thecontrol processing means, and wherein each subsequent one of theplurality of digital images replaces a preceding one of the plurality ofdigital images as the working image stored in the working memory,whereby the working image is representative of the last subject sceneimaged by the camera.
 3. A camera as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising photographic imaging means for imaging the subject scene ontoa photographic film plane of the camera under control of the controlprocessing means.
 4. A camera as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controlprocessing means includes a camera operator interface that includes animage mode selector for selecting one of a film imaging mode, a hybridimaging mode and the digital imaging mode of operation.
 5. A camera asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the photographic imaging means images thesubject scene onto the photographic image plane in the film imaging modeand the hybrid imaging mode to generate a corresponding photographicfilm image on a photographic film located at the photographic imagingplane that corresponds with the digital image generated by the digitalimaging means.
 6. A camera as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controlprocessing means generates a film mode digital image from the workingimage in the film imaging mode of operation and stores the film modedigital image in an internal fixed base camera memory of the camera, andwherein the control processing means selectively generates a displayimage from the film mode digital image and transfers the display imageto the display screen for display.
 7. A camera as claimed in claim 5,further comprising a removable interface connection means for receivinga removable memory device; wherein the non-volatile memory is comprisedin a removable memory card coupled to the interface connection means. 8.A camera as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control processing meansgenerates a hybrid mode digital image from the working image in thehybrid mode of operation and transfers the hybrid mode digital image tothe removable memory interface connection means for storage on thememory card.
 9. A camera as claimed in claim 8, wherein the controlprocessing means selectively generates a display image from a hybridmode digital image stored on the memory card coupled to the memoryinterface connection means and transfers the display image to thedisplay screen for display.
 10. A camera as claimed in claim 5, whereinthe digital imaging means generates a plurality of digital images undercontrol of the control processing means, and wherein each subsequent oneof the plurality of digital images replaces a preceding one of theplurality of digital images as the working image stored in the workingmemory, whereby the working image is representative of the last subjectscene imaged by the camera.
 11. A camera as claimed in claim 1, whereinthe control processing means activates the display screen for apredetermined time period to display the quick review image.
 12. Acamera as claimed in claim 4, wherein the camera operator interfaceincludes a quick review switch, and wherein the control processing meansactivates the display screen to display the quick review image as longas the quick review switch is activated.
 13. A camera as claimed inclaim 1, further comprising means for storing the quick review image inthe non-volatile memory.